Due to the moderating influence of Puget Sound, most of western
Washington does not get extremes in temperature. This makes for
exceptional grapegrowing conditions. It also keeps temperatures
somewhat lower, leading to an overall cool climate growing region.

Gerard Bentryn has experimented with many different grape varieties
for winemaking in the Puget Sound American Viticultural Area (PS AVA).
Starting in the late 1970's, Gerard worked with Dr. Norton of W.S.U,
who in turn, via John Harper at U. Victoria (B.C. Canada) brought in
several of the winegrapes that we now consider staples of the PS AVA.
The grapes brought in this way include Siegerrebe.